Book Your Car Service at Imperial Select Today

The New Kia Picanto reimagined

Kia heads US J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey

Kia ups its game with new Rio

Articles

Uploaded 2 years ago

Mercedes X-Class double-cab bakkie heading for South Africa

News

Uploaded 3 months ago

Book Your Car Service at Imperial Select Today

News

Imperial Select gives you even more value, with our newly launched car service workshops that provide a range of diagnostic and repair solutions for new and used Kia, Mitsubishi, Renault and Hyundai vehicles across the country. For years, you have trusted our dealerships to find you the very best new and used cars in South Africa.

Our newly launched service division will now give you the benefit of reliable auto repair to keep your beloved car in tune, year after year. Available to book simply and quickly online, our car service centres are found across the country in all major cities.

Keep reading to find out why regular servicing is so important and why we aim to simplify the process through a fully inclusive service offering that covers all the basics along with everything you need to keep your vehicle in optimal driving condition.

Why Do You Need Regular Car Service?

Driving a car that is past its scheduled service date can put you and your passengers at risk, while also risking the lives of pedestrians and fellow road users. Over and beyond increasing the risk of accidents, an unserviced car also puts added strain on various vehicle parts, which can end up costing you far more than you expect in the long run. Don't let small, easily resolved issues become bigger, harder to fix issues that cost a fortune to fix. Some of the ways that a scheduled car service can have the biggest impact include

Catch early warning signs. Over and beyond your scheduled service, it is essential to book a service if you notice any engine lights, warning lights or any other early warning signs that something is amiss. Comprehensive vehicle diagnostics from our team of vehicle specialists will help to identify potential problems right away.

Check gearbox and clutch. If you are battling to change gears or you find that you have to press the clutch a lot further than usual, a service is highly recommended. This will help to make it easier to adjust your speed without any issues changing gear or engaging clutch. A slipping clutch will start to wear into the flywheel and pressure plate causing more damage, resulting in a more expensive repair and potential safety issues when trying to change gears at speed.

Keep brakes in working order. Brake pads are one of the main components in a normal car's braking system and are crucial for vehicle safety. Worn brake pads can be deadly if left unchecked. It can be difficult for most drivers to check without professional help. A scheduled service will help to keep brakes in perfect order so that you are always able to stop when needed.

Prevent worn suspension. Your car's suspension&rsquos system is there not only for a smoother ride but to keep the vehicle in control on the road. This is therefore an important part of the vehicle to be checked and possibly replaced with high-quality parts by trained vehicle experts.

Why Book Your Vehicle Service at Imperial Select?

Over and beyond keeping your car in optimal working order, Imperial Select gives you complete peace of mind in knowing that our highly trained vehicle specialists are here to assist every step of the way. For many years, we have maintained a reputation for quality, helping people across South Africa find the best new and used cars from trusted brands. Our car service for new and used Hyundai, Kia, Renault and Mitsubishi vehicles brings you the same level of excellence, with designated service centres found in major cities throughout the country.

Regular checks can go a long way in keeping your car in optimal running order, however, avoiding accidents and other problems, and ensuring that you enjoy your beloved ride for many years to come. Give your car the attention it deserves with comprehensive checks and servicing that you can always trust.

You can easily book a service online, for the benefit of a large team of skilled auto repair technicians, fully equipped workshops and top quality diagnostic tools. Whether planning a scheduled car service or looking for a trusted specialist to assist with a specific issue, we are standing by to help.

The New Kia Picanto reimagined

News

Kia Motors South Africa entered the A-segment market back in 2004 with the boxy Picanto, which if we are honest didn&rsquot capture the market&rsquos attention in quite the way the South Korean brand wanted.

This changed with the unveiling of the second generation Picanto in 2011, which also resulted in global sales totalling 1.4-million units. Now though, there is a new Picanto and I travelled to Cape Town to find out if it has what it takes to remain one of the most popular Kia models to date.

Design

The first generation Picanto was a bit of a hit and miss in terms of styling. The second generation however featured a more youthful yet modern design which seemed to be just what the public wanted.

This new model builds on that with a seemingly more mature design, the result of a collaboration between Kia&rsquos design centres in Namyang, South Korea and Frankfurt, Germany.&nbsp

The front end features strong, straight lines which run horizontally across the front of the car There is also the trademark tiger-nose grille and new headlights as well as a distinctive line down the side and around the wheel arches.&nbspAt the rear, the Picanto features a revised bumper and taillights. The engineers have also increased the width of the C-pillar which now stands more upright than that of the previous model.

Interior

When I got into the Picanto, I was impressed with the layout of the dash. I immediately got a sense that Kia were trying to play the premium card.

This is due to the stylish design of the dashboard which features a snazzy satin chrome-effect strip, the new top mounted infotainment screen and nicely designed climate control dials. The instrument cluster also features a more up-to date look with the same going for the steering wheel.

About that infotainment system

As mentioned, one of the cabin&rsquos standouts, on high spec models that is, is the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system incorporating Bluetooth, USB and Aux inputs, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower spec models make do with a 3.8-inch monochrome TFT LCD display.&nbsp

The drive

On the launch, I got the opportunity to put the Picanto through various scenarios which included navigating the narrow streets of the Cape Town CBD, as well as heading out into the wine lands to fully exploit its talents.

There are two engine options available a 49kW/95Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder and a 61kW/122Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder. While they might not be the most powerful motors around, the Picanto does weigh less than the previous model, with the former motor also benefitting from a new cooling system and shut-off valve.

All models are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard with a four-speed automatic optional on some versions.

From Start to Smart

At launch, the Picanto will be available in a choice of four trim levels mimicking those of the Soul. The base Start gets a two-speaker Bluetooth enabled sound system with USB and Aux inputs, trip computer, dual front airbags and air-conditioning but importantly, does not feature ABS while the next step up Street receives front electric windows, remote central locking and ABS.

After spending time with the new Kia Picanto, I can conclude that it remains an attractive option within the A-segment. I like the styling, the features and the range of new colours. I also found the ride and handling impressive considering its size.

It&rsquos no high speed cruiser though and did feel a bit out of its comfort zone when rushed. Considering one? I would, especially when the price remains virtually unchanged from the previous model.&nbsp

Price

Picanto 1.0 Start - R134 995

Picanto 1.0 Street - R149 995

Picanto 1.0 Style - R159 995

Picanto 1.0 Style AT - R172 995

Picanto 1.0 Smart - R179 995

Picanto 1.2 Start - R150 995

Picanto 1.2 Start AT - R163 995

Picanto 1.2 Street - R165 995

Picanto 1.2 Style - R175 995

Picanto 1.2 Syle AT - R188 995

Picanto 1.2 Smart - R195 995

A five-year / unlimited km warranty is standard across the Picanto range with a service plan being optional.

"Automotive manufacturers are responding to consumer feedback and producing vehicles of the highest quality. The industry has improved significantly in each of the past three years. Today&rsquos vehicles have more things that could go wrong but fewer things that actually do go wrong," J.D. Power Global Automotive Vice President, Dave Sargent, said.

The survey also noted a significant improved compared to 2016 with a record eight percent improvement in customer satisfaction, and 27 of the 33 brands surveyed bettering their overall quality. Highlighted problem areas are driver assistance system such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Collision Avoidance Alert, as well as certain infotainment display system.

Kia ups its game with new Rio

Articles

The Kia Rio has been a phenomenal success for the South Korean brand within the local automotive market, although this was not always the case.

The first generation model graced South African shores at the turn of the century, and was a rather forgetful but dependable econobox. The second generation was better, but failed to capture the sales figures Kia were looking for.

But, in 2011, South Africans were introduced to the third generation Rio, an all-new product with a design language that appealed to the masses. Some 37 237 local unit sales later, the third generation has been replaced by the fourth iteration, which I drove in Johannesburg recently.

Grown-up looks

The latest Rio certainly demonstrates the newfound maturity of the Kia brand first seen in the latest Sportage. We now have a car with a more grown-up, upmarket exterior design. While not the most radical of departures from its predecessor, I feel that consumers will still get the idea that this is most certainly a new model.

Up front, we see an evolution of Kia&rsquos signature Tiger Nose grille, which is now slightly shorter and thinner. There are also new headlamps and U-shaped daytime running lights. The side profile is typically hatchback and at a glance, could be something more premium, more German, which is a good thing.

At the rear, there are new LED taillights that benefit from an arrow motif, while keen observers will note that the rear overhang is a bit shorter than before. Overall, the Rio continues to display the brand&rsquos successful interpretation of modern motoring design with aplomb.

Interior updates

For those accustomed to Rio interiors of old, the new model is not likely to surprise, particularly in the entry-level models. The basic ergonomic layout is commendable, with all of the controls and their placement being easy and logical when put into practical use.

Kia also claims that there are new, improved materials used throughout the cabin, but expect the odd hard plastic surface to linger. The big change to the interior though has to be the inclusion, or option should I say, of a touchscreen infotainment system. There are three options within the range the more basic models get a 3.8-inch mono-TFT screen with Bluetooth, USB and Aux compatibility.

Moving up the range, we have a five-inch colour touchscreen unit with the same features as the mono-TFT, while flagship models receive the brand&rsquos new seven-inch touchscreen setup complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice control. The top-line system really improves the look of the cabin and modernises the facia, a useful option worth ticking.

Driving Rio

In terms of the powertrain department, Kia has decided to stick with the more tried and trusted variants, with the much anticipated 1.0-litre turbo mill still under consideration for South Africa. Instead, we get mildly revised versions of the 1.2 and 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol motors.

The entry-level unit produces 62kW/120Nm through a five-speed manual gearbox, and the 1.4-litre 74kW/135Nm with transmissions consisting of a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic. I drove the top-of-the range 1.4-litre manual TEC derivative at launch up at altitude.

I have to say that the car does feel rather underpowered most of the time, add a hill into the equation and the problem is compounded. That said though, it wasn&rsquot frustratingly slow with the lack of power being made-up somewhat by very little road noise and a good level of interior comfort, two traits buyers in this segment want, along with low costs and fuss-free motoring, which the Rio delivers.

Verdict

While Kia hasn&rsquot really re-invented the wheel, so to speak, with the new Rio, it didn&rsquot really have to. The updated looks, improved quality, added interior technology and the fact that the new model is similarly priced to the older version, will likely ensure that this generation Rio is as successful as its predecessor.

Warranty and service

All Rio models come with a four-year/60 000km service plan as well as a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.

Mercedes X-Class double-cab bakkie heading for South Africa

News

Mercedes X-Class double-cab bakkie heading for South Africa&nbsp

Premium German automaker Mercedes has announced the arrival of the Mercedes X-Class unveiled in Stockholm in October. Set to be launched in South Africa early in 2018, the X-Class will be the first Mercedes-badge bakkie to be sold in South Africa since 1955.&nbsp

Explorer vs Adventurer

The double-cab Mercedes will be available in two trims the design-focused Stylish Explorer and its rugged brother, the Powerful Adventurer. Each offers its own set of credentials with architecture based on Nissan&rsquos Navara, but everything else distinctly Mercedes. &nbsp

&nbsp

Premium Power

The X-Class will offer power a plenty with its headline act a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine mated with the company&rsquos all-wheel drive system. Two other engines will be available a smaller 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol. Power figures have yet to be revealed. Drivetrains on offer will be a manual and a 7G-Tronic automatic.&nbsp

&nbsp

Added Luxury&nbsp

Not bothered by the idea that a bakkie should be rugged throughout, Mercedes didn&rsquot hold back on fitting the X-Class with a classy interior. The Stylish Explorer boasts dual-tone leather while the Powerful Adventurer boasts carbon-fibred elements. 'Nubuck' leather is used to trim the seats and dashboard in addition to contrasting white nappa leather. Cameras, radars, ultrasound sensors and driver assistance systems will enhance safety and comfort.&nbsp

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Will It Work?

The popularity of the X-Class will come down to whether South-Africans would buy a bakkie with leather seats and a designer dashboard. The X-Class could be a hit with city dwellers, but whether a Karoo farmer would buy one remains to be seen.